Shirin Ebadi Quotes
The most important problem in Iran is that the courts have lost their independence, and they are under the influence of the Ministry of Intelligence and their people. This is why we witness a number of journalists and human rights activists, my colleagues, and a number of feminists, in prison.
Ebadi, Shirin. Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran. Random House, 2016.
The statement was in protest to the Spanish arrest of a Syrian born journalist, Taysir Alluni, who had been accused of supporting Al-Quaeda cells in Spain by moving money to the cells. Alluni was well connected with Al-Quaeda as he had reported on them for some time and had personally interviewed Osama Bin Laden. Many believe that the cash was a cultural misinterpretation of the Muslim custom of sending cash as a wedding present which the Spanish authorities may have misinterpreted as financing of terrorism. Many believe that he is the victim of Anti-Islamic bias. While many legitimate news organizations are are troubled by this case, the Syrian protest is particularly ironic. In Syria there is not freedom of the press and any reporter can go to jail for offenses from insulting Islam to disparaging the Syrian government and its officials. There is no such thing as freedom of expression in Syria and there has not been since the Baathists gained control of the government.
Referring to an Order-in-Council forbidding any discussions of the Canadian Cabinet's secret uranium deals:
This quotation which appears absurd on the surface given Iran’s terrible record with religious minorities provides insight to Islamic orthodox thought. For the orthodox Muslim, Sharia—Koranic Law—is the basis of the society. God defines the rights of people and their obligations. Whatever rights are provided by Sharia, Khomeini and some others wished to provide them equally to religious minorities also. However, those rights do not include the right to criticize the Islamic law or the leaders who implement it. That would be heresy if done by a Muslim, a Christian, or a Jew. A Christian church may not erect a public cross or ring bells on Sunday. That is prohibited by the Koran and is imposed on all. Bahai religious adherents are tracked down in the Islamic Republic and are often executed. ‘What about their rights?’ they ask. The answer is that the Bahai were Muslims who have become “backsliders” and heretics, and under Sharia, they must be executed for heresy; they are deemed to be heretical Muslims and not members of a minority religion.
For a corroberating quote see Quotation 644762
Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian political activist, lawyer, a former judge and human rights activist and founder of Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. On 10 October 2003, Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering efforts for democracy and human rights, especially women's, children's, and refugee rights.
